Frequently Asked Questions

Administration

Being a Township, it depends on what road you live. The Ohio Department of Transportation takes care of State Routes; the Lake County Engineer maintains County owned roads, while the Concord Township Service Department takes care of Township roadways. Visit the Service Department’s page for more information.

Concord Township provides paper, cardboard and aluminum can recycling bins. The paper and cardboard recycling bins are located in the parking lot at Town Hall on Ravenna Road. Aluminum can recycling bins are located outside of both Fire Stations on Concord-Hambden Road and Prouty Road.

A Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) is a designated township area where a city has agreed to share the benefits and responsibilities of commercial and industrial development.

Concord Township and the City of Painesville entered into an agreement to enhance the development opportunities, to create and preserve jobs and improve the economic welfare of area residents. The JEDD is established as a special district under provisions of Ohio law which is governed by a Board of Directors and the terms of the agreement between the communities.

Employees working in the Township do not pay income taxes. However, individuals working within the JEDD (Joint Economic Development District) as well as businesses operating in the boundaries of the JEDD are subject to an income tax through the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA).

Concord Township follows the Ohio Revised Code rules regarding open burning. NO OPEN BURNING is permitted in Concord Township. RECREATIONAL FIRES such as cooking and camp fires are permitted as long as they are in an approved container or cleared area. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause fire spread such as leaves and dry or dead vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. The size of any recreational fire shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. All recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel or garden hose shall be available for immediate utilization. Any open burning or recreational fire that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or order emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous is prohibited. The Concord Township Fire Department is authorized to order the extinguishment by the property owner, another person responsible or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation, per Ohio Fire Code 307.3.

The emergency sirens are tested at 11:00 AM on the second Wednesday in January, April, July and October.

Concord Township officials do not activate the outdoor Emergency Sirens located throughout Lake County. The outdoor sirens are activated by the Lake County Emergency Management Agency to alert residents of possible natural or man-made disasters and national security issues. When you hear the Emergency Siren: Go indoors, close all doors and windows; Tune to local emergency information stations and follow broadcast information; DO NOT CALL 911 – Such calls could hinder response activities; Stay tuned to your radio or TV for further information.

Fire

Before you fire up your outdoor grill again, please think safety first…safety for yourself, your family, your neighbors and your home! Safety first begins by being aware of regulations within your residential community. The following fire codes apply to multiple-family dwellings:

The 2011 Ohio Fire Code Rule 3 Section 308.14 specifies that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within ten (10) feet of combustible construction. This would include propane or LPG grills.
Exceptions:

One and Two family dwellings

Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

Where approved by the fire code official, charcoal burners are allowed to be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction where all of the flowing conditions are met: 3.1 The charcoal burners are attended by an adult at all times when in operation. 3.2 Portable fire extinguishers in the type, quantity and size as approved by the fire code official are present on the combustible balconies or at the cooking site located within 10 feet of the combustible construction. 3.3 All nonstructural combustible material must be removed from the combustible balconies or at the cooking site located within 10 feet of combustible construction.

LP-gas cooking devices having an LP gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 ½ pounds.

The 2011 Ohio Fire Code Rule 38 Section 3809.10.2 specifies that the storage of gas cylinders within residential buildings, including the basement or any storage area in a common basement storage area in multiple-family buildings and attached garages is prohibited. Gas cylinders are to be stored a minimum of ten (10) feet from all multiple family dwellings.

If you have any questions and/or comments or if you want someone to speak at your homeowners’ association meeting, please do not hesitate in contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at (440) 354.7504.

Concord Township’s water is supplied by either Aqua Ohio Water 877.987.2782. Lake County Department of Utilities (440) 350.2070 or Painesville City Water (440) 392.2975. You may contact your respective water company directly to report leaks or contact the fire department. Fire hydrants are owned and maintained by the water companies. The fire department checks the hydrants yearly and sends identified repair requests to the respective water company.

Concord Township follows the Ohio Revised Code rules regarding open burning. NO OPEN BURNING is permitted in Concord Township. RECREATIONAL FIRES such as cooking and camp fires are permitted as long as they are in an approved container or cleared area. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause fire spread such as leaves and dry or dead vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. The size of any recreational fire shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. All recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel or garden hose shall be available for immediate utilization. Any open burning or recreational fire that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or order emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous is prohibited. The Concord Township Fire Department is authorized to order the extinguishment by the property owner, another person responsible or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation, per Ohio Fire Code 307.3.

EMS records are protected under HIPPA and may be released only to a patient or to a party designated by the patient, with patient consent. Concord Township utilizes the services of ChartSwap, an on-line records exchange service and Emergency Management and Consultants, our billing company, to handle medical records requests. Please visit www.chartswap.com to initiate a records request.

Some intersections in Concord Township are equipped with traffic pre-emption devices. As an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, it activates the pre-emption equipment that controls the traffic signal to safety direct the traffic flow while also allowing emergency vehicles to safely progress through the area. The white light that you see is a confirmation that the pre-emption device has been activated. When approaching an intersection, always follow the direction of the traffic signals. When you hear an emergency vehicle approaching remember to “GO RIGHT for Sirens and Lights”

The emergency sirens are tested at 11:00 AM on the second Wednesday in January, April, July and October.

Concord Township officials do not activate the outdoor Emergency Sirens located throughout Lake County. The outdoor sirens are activated by the Lake County Emergency Management Agency to alert residents of possible natural or man-made disasters and national security issues. When you hear the Emergency Siren: Go indoors, close all doors and windows; Tune to local emergency information stations and follow broadcast information; DO NOT CALL 911 – Such calls could hinder response activities; Stay tuned to your radio or TV for further information.

When the fire department is dispatched, the fire station closest to you who has available staffing will respond. Simply put, for our response planning we’ve divided Concord Township into quadrants, utilizing Interstate 90 and State Route 44 as dividing lines. Station 2, located at 10154 Prouty Road, responds to the areas that are located west of State Route 44, and areas north of State Route 84 that are east of State Route 44. Station 1, located at 11600 Concord-Hambden Road responds to the commercial areas along Auburn Road (west of State Route 44) and all other areas west of State Route 44.

Concord Twp Fire Department utilizes the dispatching service of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. When you dial 9-1-1, your call will be answered by a trained professional dispatcher from Lake County Central Dispatch center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dialing 9-1-1 is the fastest, most effective way to have us respond to your needs. Depending on your needs, the 9-1-1 dispatch center may send a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy along with fire/ems personnel.

Station #1: (440) 354.7508; Station #2: (440) 354.7509. Concord Township’s fire stations are manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, when the firefighters are out of the station for incidents, trainings or other events, the station phone lines may go unanswered. Unanswered calls to Station #1 will roll into a voicemail system which is reviewed Monday-Friday during normal business hours. If you are unsure if your needs are an emergency or not, please be safe and call 9-1-1. The trained dispatchers who answer your 9-1-1 call will assist you in obtaining the level of help you need.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development mechanism available to local governments in Ohio to finance public infrastructure improvements.

Tax revenue generated by undeveloped or underutilized property does not change. It is allocated at the same amount to the same recipients. TIF applies to tax revenue that exists because of new development or redevelopment. TIF is not tax abatement. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to real property beyond that amount are directed towards a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure defined within the TIF legislation.

Benefits of TIFs:

Encourages development and helps finance infrastructure projects and improvements, such as new roads and public works projects

Communities receive more tax revenue, which increase economic activity and creates a more sustainable business environment for JEDD members and beyond.

Adds value to new development and redeveloped properties, which then generates additional taxes to support infrastructure and level expenses

Recreation

Yes. The Concord Garden Club meets monthly at the Concord Community Center, and is responsible for the caretaking of the gardens around Town Hall, the Community Center and the cemetery on Rt. 608. Call the Recreation Department at (440) 639-4650 for information on membership.

Yes. The Concord Community Center serves as a warming and cooling center in the event of emergencies. The building is open to the public from 8am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, and in the event of an emergency, the building will be open as needed.

Yes! The Old Stone School serves as the history repository for Concord Township. The building has been restored as a one-room schoolhouse and museum that displays Concord history. Several classes are held at the schoolhouse and private tours are available. Call the Recreation Department at (440) 639-4650 to inquire about a tour.

The Recreation Department hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Below are a few regularly scheduled family events:

The Community Easter Egg Hunt is usually the Saturday before Easter Sunday. This free event occurs at the ball field at Town Hall (7229 Ravenna Road). Kids should bring a basket to collect candy or toy filled eggs. The Fire Department brings a firetruck and ambulance for families to explore.

Concord Community Day is in mid-August, and is an exciting, fun-filled day of community interaction. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities including a 5K run, pancake breakfast, frog jump contest, kid’s world (bungee trampoline and giant inflatables and MORE), Chinese raffle, food trucks, live music, community parade, live animal show, wine & beer and a spectacular fireworks display!

The Halloween Haunt at Gristmill Village is usually the Thursday before Halloween. This free event occurs at the Shops at Gristmill Village in Concord Township. Families begin the Haunt inside Reider’s Market, in the Café, where they receive a goody collection bag and their first treat. Then costumed kids trick-or-treat their way through the shops in Gristmill Village. Parents are required to supervise their children.

Yes! The Concord Community Garden is located behind the Old Stone School at 7125 Ravenna Road. Garden plots are 10’x20’ and 20’x20’, and are available in organic and non-organic sections. Call the Recreation Department at (440) 639-4650 to inquire about renting a plot for the growing season.

Lake County’s main libraries are located in Mentor and Painesville, however there is a small library of donated books located in the kitchen of the Concord Community Center at 7671 Auburn Road. Concord also has a “Little Free Library” located near the entrance of the Old Stone School at 7125 Ravenna Road. No library card needed, just come and take what you like!

The Town Hall Ball Field is for Concord resident use on a first come-first served basis, however during the Spring and Fall seasons, the field can be reserved for team practice and games. Coaches wishing to reserve the field should contact the Recreation Department at (440) 639-4650 to inquire about availability and required insurance forms.

Yes! The Concord Township 55+ Group meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30pm at the Concord Community Center. The Recreation Department plans something special for each gathering, like a presentation on a topic of interest or an entertainer. Seniors simply call to reserve their seat, and enjoy the program. Programs are free with the exception of the summer picnic and Christmas Luncheon Party.

There are several ways to register for a class through the Concord Township Recreation Department.

Create an account or sign-in to an account you previously created. If you create a new account, you can sign up for classes once the account has been approved – usually within a day or two. If you already have an account, click on programs and click the Register button next to the class you want to take. Follow a few simple prompts and you are done.

Call the Recreation Department at (440) 639-4650 and register for a class over the phone. You can pay by credit card, send in a check or stop by the Concord Community Center with cash.

Stop by the Concord Community Center and register in person with a member of the Recreation Staff.

Service

Being a Township, it depends on what road you live. The Ohio Department of Transportation takes care of State Routes; the Lake County Engineer maintains County owned roads, while the Concord Township Service Department takes care of Township roadways. Visit the Service Department’s page for more information.

Concord Township maintains the right to remove snow off Township roadways and place it within the right of way next to the road or cul-de-sac. Unfortunately, on occasion we may plow up grass/sod. Please report your observations to our office at (440) 350-3225. We will log it and schedule it for repair during the spring after April 15th.

As a courtesy, Concord Service Department will evaluate down mailboxes and reattach and perform minor repairs if necessary after snow removal operations have been completed. Mailboxes most frequently come off after being hit by plowed snow and infrequently by the plow itself.

Snow barricades are available to the residents at the cost of $40.00. Service Department personnel provide a one-time installation. Please fill out the Snow Barricade Application. There is a $15.00 fee for any reinstallation of barricades request thereafter.

If you are a new resident to Concord Township the Service Department only maintains side streets and subdivisions within the community. The Ohio Department of Transportation takes care of Ohio State Routes and Lake County Road Department is responsible for all connector roads. View Township Roadways for a complete list of state and Lake County roadways.

The Service Department bases its preparation and response to winter conditions on the latest advances in technology and weather monitoring available. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office often alerts the Service Department to changing conditions so that we can respond effectively. Current department strategy has Concord divided into six zones covering approximately 142 lane miles. Our crews plow open the streets as needed and then treat hills, curves and intersections with a deicer, primarily rock salt.

Concord Service Department maintains a sensible salting program. This treatment method is an effective response to frequently changing conditions in our lake effect prone area. This discipline provides effective measures according to current conditions and high traffic volume periods.

We urge residents to put safety first. Allow added time for travel and prepare for sudden changes in road conditions. Focus on driving and avoid anything that might distract your ability to react safely.

Yes, we offer a culvert replacement program. The cost for this service is $200.00 for the removal and replacement of the original culvert. The homeowner is responsible for the purchase of the pipe and any asphalt or concrete replacement following the installation by Township personnel. Please fill out the Culvert Pipe Installation Form. Lake County roads and state routes require permits. Contact our office for details at (440) 350-3225.

Contact the Service Department for an evaluation of the ditch. On most occasions we will clean and regrade the ditch to its original design function at no cost to the resident. Please note that we only perform this maintenance on Township roadways.

During regular business hours contact the Service Department at (440) 350-3225. If outside the regular work schedule and the observation requires immediate attention such as a tree across the road, you can call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (440) 350-5531 who then can contact the appropriate personnel.

Township roadways are maintained by three separate road departments: Ohio Department of Transportation, Lake Engineers Department and the Concord Service Department. View Township Roadways for a complete list of state and Lake County roadways.

Zoning

No, private property owners do not need to acquire a Zoning Permit before removing trees. Please be aware of any Home Owner Association rules for tree removal, conservation easements on your property or private preservation easements.

Being a Township, it depends on what road you live. The Ohio Department of Transportation takes care of State Routes; the Lake County Engineer maintains County owned roads, while the Concord Township Service Department takes care of Township roadways. Visit the Service Department’s page for more information.

There are no Township or county regulations that govern drainage issues. Drainage problems between neighbors are generally considered a civil issue. If a public drainage easement is involved in this dispute, please contact your Homeowners Association (if applicable) or the Concord Township Service Department at (440) 350-3225.

For all other drainage disputes, the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District offers free technical assistance for property owners regarding storm drainage improvements and / or maintenance. Please keep in mind, the Soil and Water Conservation district can provide guidance only; they are not a regulatory agency. Their number is (440) 350-2730.

Home occupations shall not involve any outward evidence of such use of change in outside appearance of the dwelling or principal building. Home occupations shall be carried on in such a manner so as not to create a need for off-street parking in excess of what is customarily provided for the residential use. Concord Township has additional regulations pertaining to home occupations that can be found on the home occupations information sheet.

For residential properties with single or two-family dwellings and less than 2 acres, any cars or vehicles stored outside shall be on driveways or off-street parking areas improved with gravel, asphalt, concrete, brick or other similar type material. There shall be no off-street parking provided within the road right-of-way or a temporary easement. For all other grassed areas on the property, parking shall be prohibited for any period of time exceeding 48 hours, and shall not obstruct the view of driveway vehicular and pedestrian traffic of adjoining or abutting properties.

If your project requires a permit from the Building Department, you will schedule inspections with them directly. The Concord Township Zoning Department will conduct a final inspection after the project is complete, and issue a zoning certificate of compliance. As a courtesy, please contact the Zoning Department upon completion of your project.

Fees must be submitted with all zoning permit applications, and vary depending on the project. The Concord Township Zoning Department accepts cash or checks. Checks should be made out to Concord Township. Please view the current Zoning Fees Schedule.

The Zoning Department has up to 30 days to process an application for a Zoning Permit. If the application conforms to the Zoning Resolution, the permit will be approved, if not, the application will be denied. More than often, permits for residential projects are approved within a couple of days.

No, a zoning permit is not required. Please contact the Lake County Building Department at (440) 350-2636 to see if a permit is required. Driveways do need to be at least three (3) feet from adjoining property lines.

A zoning permit is required for all fences over 20 lineal feet and an application must be approved by the Zoning Department prior to installation. Fences should be no higher than four (4) feet in height if located in the front yard nor eight (8) feet in height if located in the side or rear yards. Height requirements vary for corner or double frontage lot. It is recommended to contact the Zoning Department for additional information. While fences may be placed directly on your property line, residents are encouraged to speak first with their neighbor to make sure maintenance of the other side of the fence is not going to be a problem. It is recommended that you have your property surveyed prior to installing your fence. There are several qualified licensed surveyors listed in the yellow pages.

All sheds and other accessory buildings, regardless of size, require a zoning permit from Concord Township prior to construction. The setbacks, maximum size, height, and number of accessory buildings permitted on a lot is dependent on the zoning district your property is located. In addition, residents should contact Lake County at (440) 350-2636 to see if a building permit is required. Please see the Accessory Buildings information sheet for more information.

Yes, a zoning permit is required prior to the construction or reconstruction of deck. In addition, a building permit is required from the Lake County Building Department. For more information on, download Building Addition/Decks.

Your property is an important investment and improvements add value for you and affect the look of your neighborhood. Because outdoor changes to your property – fences, decks, sheds, swimming pools, etc. – can affect your neighbors, property owners are typically required to seek a permit. For more information please visit the Applications page.

Whenever digging on your property, law requires that property owners call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at 8-1-1 or (800) 362-2764. It is required that at least 48 hours notice, but no more than 10 days, be given so underground utilities can be marked. There is also an online notification process with OUPS.

Police & Sheriff

The emergency sirens are tested at 11:00 AM on the second Wednesday in January, April, July and October.

Concord Township officials do not activate the outdoor Emergency Sirens located throughout Lake County. The outdoor sirens are activated by the Lake County Emergency Management Agency to alert residents of possible natural or man-made disasters and national security issues. When you hear the Emergency Siren: Go indoors, close all doors and windows; Tune to local emergency information stations and follow broadcast information; DO NOT CALL 911 – Such calls could hinder response activities; Stay tuned to your radio or TV for further information.